Family Reunion: A Time to Remember and Reconnect:
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12
Scripture can be read at http//www.usccb.com/nab.
Family reunions can be wonderful ways to develop and foster a sense of connection with the past and present. People in photos take on new life; people in family stories assume a new reality; beloved memories resurface.
This weekend we celebrate our connection to those who have died. As we remember members of our own family, we also remember the greater extended family of God, including saints who are known to the universal church family and the countless saints who are known only to their local church or personal family. And as we remember, we once again acknowledge that death is part of life; death is the door that one enters to a new way of living.
Today God’s Word reminds us that there is life after this life (Revelation). As we remember those who now live in a new and fuller way, we can recall the love, care, and service that many of these people showed in their lives as they tried to live the message of Jesus (Matthew).
In turn, we can be encouraged by the promise of reunion (1 John) and be renewed in our desire to live a truly meaningful life that shows that each of us is a child of God.
To think about:
Who are some of the truly holy people I have known? What qualities of these people do I admire and remember?
How do I keep the memory of these people alive in my own life?
Have my views of death grown and changed as I mature and age?
Do I let a view of life beyond this life influence my priorities?
How do I keep the memory of a loved one alive? How do I want to be remembered by others? How does belief in God’s love affect my view of life and death?
To do:
Remember loved ones who have died by taking out pictures or telling stories about them. Consider a way that one person who has died touched your life and do something that reflects the person’s life.
Thank God for people who have been part of your life.
Call or visit someone who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one.
To pray: Hear Jesus say to you: “Rejoice and be glad. Blessed are you!"
Next week: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 1Kings 17:10-16; Hebrews 9: 24-28; Matthew 12: 38-44
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
"Need More Light?": Reflection for Sunday October 25, 2009; 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Hebrews 5: 1-6; Mark 10: 46-52
Scripture for today can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Although the time to “fall back” to Standard Time isn’t until next week, we’ve already experienced the decrease in light each day. Most of us almost wince at the thought of darkness that will continue to become part of our lives for the next few months. How much we miss the light!
God’s Word today reminds us of the need for light in many areas of our lives, especially those that are enveloped in darkness (Jeremiah, Mark). However, often one whose sight is impaired develops an ability to see beyond the physical; sometimes that person may see more clearly than the sighted person.
God’s Word today also reminds us that we all carry areas of blindness within us, especially in the ways that we view God, self, or others.
This Word then challenges us to turn toward Jesus so that we will not only see reality with new eyes but that we will then let that new awareness touch the way we live (Hebrews). It's all about putting the Word into practice!
To think about:
What do I usually look for and notice in others: goodness and talents or faults and failings?
How do I treat those who do not see things as I see them?
Do I always think that my view is the superior view?
What do I do when I notice judgmental, prejudicial or stereotypical views?
How many of my views are the views of Jesus?
How do I try to alleviate the blindness caused by poverty or lack of education?
To do:
Notice goodness, talents and abilities in yourself and in others; thank God for these gifts.
Speak up when prejudicial or stereotypical views are expressed.
Try to listen attentively to someone who cannot see life’s fullness because of loneliness or sadness.
Thank someone who has helped you or a loved one to see life with new/renewed vision.
Take a walk and notice the beauties of nature.
And finally, please let me know if you have read this blog and if it has brought you any “light”. I’m trying to decide if I should continue this. You can email me at lightlady09@gmail.com or leave a comment. Thanks!
To pray: “Lord, that I may see” or “Open my eyes to the wonder of this moment”.
Next week: Solemnity of All Saints: Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; 1John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12
Scripture for today can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Although the time to “fall back” to Standard Time isn’t until next week, we’ve already experienced the decrease in light each day. Most of us almost wince at the thought of darkness that will continue to become part of our lives for the next few months. How much we miss the light!
God’s Word today reminds us of the need for light in many areas of our lives, especially those that are enveloped in darkness (Jeremiah, Mark). However, often one whose sight is impaired develops an ability to see beyond the physical; sometimes that person may see more clearly than the sighted person.
God’s Word today also reminds us that we all carry areas of blindness within us, especially in the ways that we view God, self, or others.
This Word then challenges us to turn toward Jesus so that we will not only see reality with new eyes but that we will then let that new awareness touch the way we live (Hebrews). It's all about putting the Word into practice!
To think about:
What do I usually look for and notice in others: goodness and talents or faults and failings?
How do I treat those who do not see things as I see them?
Do I always think that my view is the superior view?
What do I do when I notice judgmental, prejudicial or stereotypical views?
How many of my views are the views of Jesus?
How do I try to alleviate the blindness caused by poverty or lack of education?
To do:
Notice goodness, talents and abilities in yourself and in others; thank God for these gifts.
Speak up when prejudicial or stereotypical views are expressed.
Try to listen attentively to someone who cannot see life’s fullness because of loneliness or sadness.
Thank someone who has helped you or a loved one to see life with new/renewed vision.
Take a walk and notice the beauties of nature.
And finally, please let me know if you have read this blog and if it has brought you any “light”. I’m trying to decide if I should continue this. You can email me at lightlady09@gmail.com or leave a comment. Thanks!
To pray: “Lord, that I may see” or “Open my eyes to the wonder of this moment”.
Next week: Solemnity of All Saints: Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; 1John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12
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